Common Pest: Wasps

The term “wasp” covers a variety of species, and some of the species relevant to us are paper wasps, yellow jackets, and different species of mud wasps. Wasp species are actually very important for the control of native pests, but infestations in and around human dwellings can cause problems.

The different species of wasps do have some similarities. Wasps have a hard exoskeleton that protect them from chemical and physical threats. All wasp species also possess an organ known as an ovipositor, which is the infamous stinger. Only female wasps have this ovipositor because it is also the organ used to lay eggs. Unfortunately for humans, the stinger is also connected to poison glands. Unlike bees with their barbed stingers that have one-time uses, wasps can sting a target repeatedly.

Wasp species are generally divided into two categories: social wasps and solitary wasps. Solitary wasps frequent a fairly diverse range of habitats. For example, mud daubers will form mud-based dwellings on the outside walls of homes and other structures. Other solitary wasps will create and inhabit small holes drilled into the ground. On the other hand, social wasp species live in large colonies. These colonies are formed by a fertilized queen and expanded layer-by-layer by workers.

A solitary wasp dwelling is not always easy to spot. Mud wasps do form distinctive mud-based nests, but other solitary wasps drill holes that are easily overlooked or mistaken for other pests. In the case of social wasp species, the colonies will start forming in the spring after the queen comes out of hibernation. Due to the diversity of wasp species and dwellings, one of the easiest ways to spot an active social wasp colony is to look for wasp activity. Wasps will be seen entering and leaving the nest, and some worker wasps will be seen performing maintenance on the outer portion of the colony.

Wasp poison can be harmful to some people and domestic animals, especially if one has an allergic reaction to wasp stings. Some social wasps will produce a pheromone when they sting to summon other wasps from the colony, so a colony can present some danger. Additionally, some nests can damage property. This is particularly true of the solitary wasps that drill holes for dwellings.

There are some home remedy chemical treatments that can be purchased to kill wasps. However, these treatments are more effective with solitary wasps than social wasps because treating a colony is not practical and can be dangerous for individuals. In many cases of wasp infestation, the best course of action is to call a pest control professional. Bugs by Brian can exterminate wasp infestations. Call us today if you are concerned about a wasp infestation affecting your home, pets or family.